Worksop: Car park price hike angers motorists

Council chiefs have defended their decision to increase charges in the town’s car parks by 10 per cent, a move which residents have branded ‘disgraceful’.

The increase in charges was announced by Bassetlaw Council last year and came into effect this month.

Drivers now have to pay 10 per cent more to park in nine of the town’s 10 ‘visitor’ car parks such as Gateford Road, Memorial Avenue and Castle Hill between 8am and 6pm.

Prices at the town’s ‘shopper’ car parks in Lead Hill and Queen’s Street will stay the same, with charges applying between 10am and 4pm.

The Priorswell Road car park, which was previously free, will now charge for more than one hour’s parking.

Worksop residents took to social media and contacted the Guardian to express their views on the charges.

Dave Irvine said: “As far as I’m concerned, this is a deterrent to bothering to come into Worksop.”

“It’s a disgrace,” said Kerry-Anne Taylor.

Cathy Pritchard said: “When I went to the doctors yesterday, I was very surprised at the increase parking charge at the Newgate Street car park. I’m sure one of the others were probably cheaper, but I didn’t have time to find out.

But Bassetlaw Council has stood by the increase in charges, stating that the small increase is needed to cover mounting costs.

“When you compare Bassetlaw’s parking charges with neighbouring authorities, we know we are still extremely competitive and offer value for money,” said Coun June Evans, cabinet member for finance.

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